How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Car keys are lost is a major headache. Not long ago this was not a big deal but it's getting more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
Sometimes, keys are lost because you've reached inside your pocket for something else, and then accidentally thrown them away somewhere. Having an extra key in the house can save you from such situations.
1. Contact a locksmith
Losing your car keys is an enormous inconvenience. There's no reason to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to contact to get your car keys changed should just take a couple of steps.
Try to go back the steps you took. This may appear obvious however it can be hard to do if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to inspect all your bags and pockets to see in which you may have put them down, as well as the area around your car.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you need to call an locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to create a new key for your car much faster than the dealership. They can also do it for much cheaper than a dealership would charge.
Some dealerships can create replacement keys, however they may not be able do it immediately or at any point. There are many dealerships with many customers and therefore may not be able to accommodate you immediately. They may not also be able to create a exact copy of your existing key.
Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. You can find these on Amazon and other places for much cheaper than the price you purchase from a dealer although they may not be able to cut and program them for your specific model of car.
Certain insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's worth checking your insurance policy to see if it will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Remember to provide proof of ownership to the person or business who is responsible for creating your replacement key. This is legally required. If you're not able prove ownership, it can be a very expensive experience.
2. Call the Dealership
Not too long ago losing - or losing - your car keys was not a huge deal. It wasn't too expensive to buy an alternative key from a dealer. However, as cars become more technologically advanced and keys becoming more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it used to be. It's not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars for a new set of keys in the event that you lose them today.
You must be calm when you've lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right decision. You should also make sure that you have a backup set of keys in your pocket or the trunk of your car, in case you lose the original keys they won't cost you any money at all. Make sure to check whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a key replacement. This could help you save money in an emergency.
The next step is to do thorough searches of your home, vehicle and your purse or wallet for keys that have gone missing. You can try to retrace your steps, recollecting where you last saw them and where you were when you lost them. This can help you find the location of your lost items, which is a great relief.
Once you've done an exhaustive search but are unable to find your car keys, the next step is to contact your dealer. Dealerships know your vehicle and can provide you with an alternative key. However, they're typically busy and can't accommodate people at short notice, which could make the process difficult.
If you contact your dealer, they will be able to create keys for you based on the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system that is needed to start your vehicle. If you're looking for an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting in the dealership, a locksmith may be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago, misplacing your car keys was not an issue. You could contact an locksmith to come to your place of residence and duplicate your keys at a reasonable cost. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have the keys, and they're more expensive to replace than ever before.
Depending on the type of vehicle and the year The process for replacing the car key that was lost could take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to keep an additional set of keys for your car on hand. lost car key replacement is particularly true when you live in an area of danger or an area that has an abundance of theft.
While it may feel like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, calling them could save you money in the long run. Check with your agent to see whether you can obtain an alternative car key that is covered by your policy.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should consider this. If you have roadside assistance, someone may come to your aid. This is a much less stressful option than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Make sure you thoroughly inspect your car prior to you call your insurance provider. If you believe they're in the car, look in the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothing and other places where you may have been used to putting them. You should also check the places where you may have put them, such as in your purse or a cluttered desk.
Contact your dealer to replace the keys after you've tried to find them. This is usually not a problem, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or going to the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create a spare key for you, specifically if your car doesn't have a remote. Usually you can have your dealership make a spare for you without altering anything else in your car. If you decide to do this, make sure that you keep the key in a place that is secure and safe so you can find it in the event that you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Notifying your car keys that you lost can help you locate them and keep you safe. If someone steals your car without permission, they could be subject to fines if they drive it on city streets or on private property. If you report your keys lost before the person gets away with your vehicle, you'll know that there's a legal paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
It's a common problem to lose your car keys, but it does not have to be a catastrophe. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if make contact with the right people. You can also avoid any future key loss if you follow the tips provided in this article.
Retrace your steps. This will give you a good idea of where your keys might be and will help you remember what you were doing at the time. For example, if you were returning home from work and then went to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to recall keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If internet can't find the key, it may be in the bag you carried things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.
Another good idea is to post your key loss online. This will be seen by a large audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also inquire with local businesses and other community bulletin boards.
It's important that you write down the VIN of your car before you start searching for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, so you must keep it in a safe place. The VIN is typically located on your driver's licence, but can also be found on your insurance card and in your car's owner's manual.
Contact the police when you've exhausted all other options. You can obtain an interim replacement vehicle from the police department, and they will also file reports that are useful should your keys ever be recovered.